Stock up for hurricane season with tax-free items

WASHINGTON – As hurricane season begins, quick thinking and good timing could mean saving money while stocking up on emergency supplies.

Virginians who want to shop for supplies ahead of the season can do so without having to pay any taxes on certain items. Until next Friday, May 31, if you buy flashlights, first aid kids, portable self-powered radios or even bottled water, the items are all tax-free as long as they cost $60 or less. If you’ve been holding out for a portable generator, this is a good time to get one, since any model under $1000 is also tax-free.

Government forecasters like Dennis Feltgen of the National Hurricane Center think more tropical storms will churn into hurricanes this year than last year.

“We think seven to 11 could become hurricanes,” he says. “Three to six of those could become major hurricanes – Category 3 or higher. So it looks like a busy season coming.”